Lip Duo from Bloom Cosmetics

Image: Bloom Cosmetics

When it comes to lip gloss I'm a complete and utter tramp. Love 'em (for a while) and then leave 'em (for something shinier) is my philosophy. Which is probably why I have never actually finished an entire lip gloss.

Having said that, it looks like things are about to change. Enter my newest obsession - Bloom Cosmetics' Lip Duo.

This dual-ended lipstick and perfectly matched gloss, are a match made in heaven. So much so, they've made an honest woman of me and I'm happy to report that I've just finished two shades I've been flittering between - Song & Dance (a pink red) and Moon & Stars (a true red).

Now, I'll kiss to that!

AU $28; available online from Bloom Cosmetics.

American Fashion Designers at Home

Oscar de la Renta's home in Kent, Connecticut.

Ralph Lauren's ranch.

Johnson Hartig's home in Los Angeles.

Tory Burch's home in Manhattan.

Jenni Kayne's home in Beverly Hills.

Francisco Costa's Murray Hill Manhattan home.

Donna Karen's home.

Milan this week.

London last week.

It's hard to escape the fact we're in the middle of Spring/Summer 2011 runway season. For fashion escapism of a different kind, take a gander at some of the pages from the recently released book, American Fashion Designers at Home.

Presenting over 100 homes owned by the the likes of Ralph Lauren, Betsy Johnson and Oscar de la Renta, it is the ultimate voyeuristic journey.

Images: Locoav

Blacklist Studio Prints

Image: Blacklist Studio

Blagh. We're all terribly under the weather in our household.

Thankfully, these prints by Sydney-based, Blacklist Studio are brightening my day. Entirely inspired 'by a crazy little thing called love', they make me one very happy lady - especially the Tiny Dancer set!

From US $40; available online at Blacklist Studio's Etsy Shop.

Pussy Willow

Image: Broadsheet

Check out my latest article for Broadsheet on Kit Willow's short film, Lady into Cat. Not only does it herald the launch of her Spring/Summer 2011 collection...but it also features a pretty majestic feline friend.

Pat & Stick's Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Image: Goth Gourmande

The St Kilda and Collingwood Grand Final wasn't the only draw that had me talking this weekend. In fact, it was a dead even taste bud tie for two of Pat and Stick's homemade, all-natural ice cream sandwiches - Vanilla Choc and Espresso Lace.

I've been eyeing off these delectable morsels at our local grocer for the last couple of weeks and finally caved on Saturday. Unfortunately I lasted less than 24 hours before backing up for seconds. Uh oh. I can see that this is going to be my summer downfall!

Have you had the good fortune of crossing paths with Pat and Stick's homemade ice creams yet? What's your fave flavour?

$5; available across Melbourne and Sydney - see stockist list here.

Five Alive Friday

Image: We Heart It

I'm certainly not complaining, but I think that was the fastest week I've had in a long time! To keep the momentum going, here's five links to get you to 5pm. Enjoy!

1. Have you heard? Frankie magazine are putting out a 2011 Diary. Beautifully illustrated it makes the mundane utterly delightful. Now, this one's going straight to the top of my Christmas wish list...
2. Planning on having a big one at tomorrow's Grand Final? Then you might need this French wine vending machine!
3. It's been over a year since I started blogging and (touch wood) I haven't run out of steam yet! If I do, you can count on me heading to Sorry I haven't Posted for highly amusing apology inspiration.
4. Here's a fab round-up of the top eco collections that graced the runway at New York Fashion Week.
5. Jared Buckheister's, photographic series Prom Kings & Queens is gold, gold, gold!

The Shake of Ophelia - Elke Kramer's New Summer Jewelry Collection

Images: pedestrian.tv

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to admit that Elke Kramer is one of my favourite jewelry designers. So I might be a little biased when I say...jeepers creepers...her S/S 10-11 look book gives me head spins!

The collection is called The Shake of Ophelia and is inspired by a 19th century beauty who escapes the lap of luxury to accompany a traveling spice merchant on an adventure across Africa.

Drawing on an earthy palette of ebony, jasper, deep beetroot, bloodstone and ash, Kramer has created a magical collection that features tasseled earrings and statement bangles with oversized stones. Of course, her medium of choice - resin - also features prominently.

I'll have one of each thanks!

The Shake of Ophelia drops instore this week. For stockists can be found here.

'Framed' at London Design Festival

Images: Moco Loco

The London Design Festival is currently making it's mark with a focus on simplicity and the hand crafted touch.

One of my fave installations is Framed, a collaboration between designer Stuart Haygarth and framing company John Jones of London. Found along a marble staircase in the V&A Museum, this piece uses 31 types of frames in a variety of colours, sizes and styles totalling over 600 metres in length.

Haygarth calls it 'akin to 3D graffiti'. Whatever it is I can't help but stop and stair...sorry...stare!

Found via.

Elle Magazine in 'Whitewashing' Controversy

Images: NY Mag

You've heard me on my soapbox about over zealous photo retouching before - but surely this one takes the cake.

For their October 25th Anniversary edition, the bright sparks at US Elle have celebrated by apparently lightening actress, Gabourey Sidibe's, skin tone.

Elle of course, are claiming nothing of the sort:

In a statement the magazine said that 'nothing out of the ordinary' had been done to the photograph.

"We have four separate covers this month and Gabby's cover was not retouched any more or less than the others."

And if that wasn't enough, check out how Sidibe's image has been cropped (up close so you can't see her beautiful curves) compared with the other four covers (full body shots):

The three other covers. Image: NY Mag.

They say a picture tells a thousand words, but in this case it speaks volumes...and none of it is positive when it comes to concepts of race, weight and beauty ideals.

What do you think?

Love Like Blood

Photograph by Mark Borthwick. Found via.

Nobody ever tells you the full truth about pregnancy: that it drops a stone into the stillness of whatever love made it and some of the ripples can be fierce.

- Joseph O'Connor in Elle UK October 2010

I'm not exaggerating when I say that being a mum is the greatest thing. But it certainly isn't always roses 'round the door. Maybe this is why I can feel Joseph's words vibrating with truth and honesty.

What do you wish you'd been told about the birth of a parent?

Five Alive Friday

Print by Natalia Czajkiewicz. Image via.

By now you know the drill...so away we go!

1. Inked for Life is a fascinating series by Austrian photographer, Klaus Pichler, that captures crims and their tatts.
2. Images from Tom Ford's signature collection were meant to be embargoed until next January. Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for us, some blurry shots have already been leaked.
3. Giddy up! Check out this awesome bike accessory that turns your two-wheeler into a pony.
4. Still trying to decide what to do this weekend? Fear not - The Thousands City Guides have just released a FREE iphone app with the best eating, drinking and shopping options in Melbourne, Sydney, Brissie, Adelaide and Perth.
5. If New York Fashion Week is anything to go by, we'll all be wearing seafoam green in Spring 2011.

Interview: Lisa Jones from Pigeon Toe Ceramics

Pigeon Toe Ceramics about the home.

It's been almost a year since I first wrote about Pigeon Toe Ceramics and I'm happy to report that my love affair with them continues! In fact, after my interview with Lisa Jones, the genius behind this brand, it just got a hell of a lot worse!

Pigeon Toe Ceramics are known for their hand-thrown porcelain pieces that are perfect for about your home, in the garden or on your table. Beautiful and modern, these affordable heirlooms make me stop in your tracks.

But after getting to know Lisa a little more, I quickly learnt that there is much more to her than ceramics. In fact, she has one of the most intoxicating inspiration lists I've come across...so make sure you click through and lose yourself down the rabbit hole of treasures that Lisa has shared.

Pieces from Pigeon Toe Ceramics' most recent F/W collection which incorporates wood for the first time.

My interest in ceramics started...in 4th grade in an after-school class. My first objects were hand-built houses and little people that were also lidded vessels. My mom still has them I think!

I’m inspired by...the thoughtful creativity of others whose aesthetic visions I identify with in some way...the perfect curves in the furniture of Hans Wegner, the laid-back modern grace of clothing house Humanoid, the embracing of our flaws (and the discovery of beauty within them) in the work of Miranda July, the gorgeous sentences of Ian McEwan, the set design this season on Mad Men, I could go on and on of course.

My ultimate project is…to design an entire house Frank Lloyd Wright style - from the floorboards to the tableware to the owner's clothing. I generally consider myself more of a designer than a ceramicist and hope to someday have an entire lifestyle brand. I love the immediacy of creation and tactile nature of thrown pottery but my interests definitely extend beyond it.

I’d love to collaborate with…Eva Zeisel, the designers behind Vena Cava, and Julia Rothman.

My favourite product in the Pigeon Toe range is..the folded salt and pepper cellars (at least right now, I change my mind often). I love the off-kilter simplicity, the fact that there are two, and the wide potential of uses based on their size.

Pigeon Toe Ceramics in the Garden.

I’m happiest when...I'm a few days into a vacation with several relaxing days ahead and I can begin to develop new designs. The generous emptiness of those days gives me room to work in a way that doesn't feel like work. I'm happiest when I'm creating without pressure and have the time to simply think.

It’s not fashionable, but I love...oh it's ridiculous and I know it but I watched every episode of Work of Art with glee and devoted regularity. The commercialized format goes against what most people consider sacred about fine art, but for someone who went to art school and participated in the high-minded bullshitting that is critiques it was like candy. Ok, now I'm rationalizing. I have a soft spot for competitive reality television!

I can’t live without...the morning ritual of coffee and reading the news. I'm also a bit of a technophile and feel like I'm missing a limb without my laptop.

I dream of…a farmhouse on acreage with a studio full of windows out back. I also dream about the day when my hard work pays off enough to allow me more than one day off a week!

My golden rule is...good design doesn't have to cost a fortune. And - beauty and function should never be mutually

Sandy and the 1,000 Crane Project

Images: The Crane Project

A little bird told me about the Crane Project - so I had to share it with you.

Sandy is making 1,000 paper cranes, each with a different positive word on them and placing them in places for people to discover.

I guess you could say...a bird in the hand is worth a 1,000 random acts of kindness!

Three of the Best: Knuckle Rings

I'm a lover, not a fighter. But I still wouldn't mind getting a kiss with a fist from these knuckle rings!

Lucky Duct

Image: Lucky Duct

Etsy seller, Lucky Duct, hand makes Honey Knuckles. She also does a mean sauso dog knuckle duster (aka Weenie Knuckles!) that is sure to put a smile on your dial!

Debra Baxter

Image: The Sub-Studio Design Blog

Debra Baxter's Crystal Brass Knuckles will realign your chakras. Kapow!

Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch

Image: Queen Justine

A little bit goth, a little bit glam, I love Alexander McQueen's Knuckle Duster Clutch as much as the next Osbourne does!